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Historical milestones

Recollections, stories of everyday life, interweaving of experiences, of memories...:

Recounting events from the past helps us to walk in the vitality of history in continuous evolution. It is in history where we discover the roots that infuse us with the lifeblood to live the present, encouraging us to look toward the future with hope and confidence.

Today we create a “remembrance” of the history of our Religious Family through a series of publications, in accordance with the Congregational Pastoral Plan, which has invited us to “witness our healing charism in harmony with our cultures by celebrating our history.”

We want to relive the highlights in order to savor the energy and enthusiasm lived by Mother Frances and the Sisters and Associates who came before us. In communion with them we want to “embrace change at all stages in our lives as opportunities for spiritual healing among us and within ourselves.”

We hope that these publications may give us the energy and passion to live our healing charism with enthusiasm and creativity, while we live as Apostles of the Resurrection in our present history and in the Community of Life.

1988 - Revitalization of Our Gospel Way of Life

In the years after the Renewal Chapter of 1968 the Congregation moved from a hierarchical style of leadership, where most decision-making was done by the Superior General and Council, to a model where decisions were made with the input...

The Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor

During the General Chapter of 1980, in the wake of the Leadership Team’s proposal, the Congregation wishes to respond to some requests submitted by lay women and men linked to the Charism of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. Thus it is ...

Spreading Our Charism to Senegal

In the early 1970s the Congregation explored the possibility of starting a mission in Africa. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, good friends of the Sisters in Italy, already had an established presence in Africa. Sisters Rose Margaret Delaney and...

Beatification of Frances Schervier

Mother Frances Schervier dies on December 14, 1876, in Aachen, Germany. The Congregation immediately records the details of her last illness, death, and funeral. Sisters are encouraged to record and share their memories...

The Ministry of Healing the Sick in the United States

Prior to 1971, our hospitals, social service centers, and other health care institutions in the United States were individual corporations that were distinct from one another. Each reported to and was represented by the Provincial leadership...

From Rome to Brooklyn

The 1968 General Chapter was the Congregation’s Renewal Chapter, following the Second Vatican Council. One of the decisions made was to move the house of government from Rome to the United States on an experimental basis...

Our Charism Extended into Brazil

Soon after his election in 1958 Pope John XXIII appealed to the world’s Catholics and religious orders, stressing the spiritual and physical needs of people in Latin America. The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor eagerly responded to this call...

From the 1950s to the 1970s The early development of the Congregation in Italy

The years following the 1952 General Chapter and separation from Germany were a time of learning and service for the Sisters in Italy. Following the separation, the members of the new Franciscan Sisters of the Poor expanded...